Packet Processing Buffer Logic for Static Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet processing systems face challenges in reducing static power consumption due to the inefficient management of physical memory units, where packets are scattered across multiple banks, leading to unnecessary power usage when pages are unallocated.
Innovation Solution
A packet processing system with a buffer logic unit and power gate controller that allocates and deallocates pages efficiently, cutting power to unallocated physical memory units by grouping pages and using a LIFO policy or ranking to prioritize memory usage, thereby reducing static power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packets are stored in scattered pages across multiple banks using linked list management, then packet storage flexibility and retrieval capability are improved, but static power consumption increases due to inability to power down unallocated memory regions
Solution Approach 1:
The packet memory is divided into multiple banks, each further divided into multiple pages. This segmentation allows the system to manage memory in smaller units that can be independently allocated and deallocated, enabling selective power gating of memory regions while maintaining packet storage flexibility through the linked list mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically tracks allocated and unallocated pages using a linked list structure maintained in the buffer manager. This dynamic tracking enables the power gate controller to identify which memory regions are currently in use and which can be powered down, resolving the contradiction between maintaining storage flexibility and reducing static power consumption.
2Productivity
If multiple banks of memory are used to store packets in scattered pages, then packet processing capability is improved, but power management complexity increases due to need to track allocation status of each page
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer manager consolidates the tracking of allocated and unallocated pages across multiple banks into a single linked list structure. This merging approach simplifies power management by providing a unified view of memory allocation status, allowing the power gate controller to efficiently identify power-gatable regions without complex per-bank tracking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The linked list structure acts as an intermediary between the buffer manager and the power gate controller. It mediates the communication by providing standardized allocation status information that enables the power gate controller to make informed decisions about power gating while maintaining the packet processing capabilities of multiple banks.
3Productivity
If pages are allocated and deallocated frequently during packet processing, then memory utilization efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases due to repeated power gating and ungating operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a linked list of allocated pages that persists across packet processing operations. This persistent tracking structure allows the power gate controller to make informed decisions about power gating without repeatedly scanning memory allocation status, reducing the overhead of power management operations while maintaining high memory utilization efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A buffer logic unit of a packet processing device including a power gate controller. The buffer logic unit for organizing and/or allocating available pages to packets for storing the packet data based on which of a plurality of separately accessible physical memories that pages are associated with. As a result, the power gate controller is able to more efficiently cut off power from one or more of the physical memories.